Pilings

While paddling past the row of pilings, it is common to see double-crested cormorants drying their wings. This common waterbird has less oil on its feathers than other waterbirds. With less oil, water soaks into their feathers instead of dripping off. The extra water they absorb makes them heavier, which helps them dive deeper and faster to catch prey. They are excellent divers and eat a wide variety of fish.

You may also see wooden platforms on top of these pilings. These platforms were built by Mallows Bay Park staff to help support the nesting ospreys. The ospreys liked building their nests on the pilings, but they would get washed away during storms and high tides. The nest platforms help provide additional space and height for the osprey nests, ensuring they are safe all season long.